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Using while and whereas

Although the conjunctions while and whereas have similar uses, there are some differences too. While, for example, can be used to introduce a time-clause. Whereas cannot be used to introduce a time-clause.

While

While is mainly used to introduce a time-clause. We use it when we want to talk about things that happen simultaneously.

While she was playing, I was studying.

When both clauses have the same subject, it is possible to drop subject + be after while.

While roaming around the city we saw many interesting sights. (= While we were roaming around the city, we saw many interesting sights.)

While walking past the post office, I suddenly remembered that I hadn’t posted the letter. (= While I was walking past the post office, I suddenly remembered that I hadn’t posted the letter.)

While can also be used as a subordinating conjunction showing contrast. In this case, it is similar to whereas.

While I like all kinds of music, my girlfriend only listens to western music.

While she works three jobs in a day, her husband does nothing except watch TV.

While I like horror movies, my girlfriend never watches them.

I like horror movies whereas my girlfriend never watches them.

While in India the months of July and August are relatively cool, in the US they are the hottest months in the year.

In India the months of July and August are relatively cool, whereas in the US they are the hottest months of the year.